CN114353022A

CN114353022A - Lighting device

Info

Publication number: CN114353022A
Application number: CN202111588875.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 铃木正哲
Original assignee: TS Tech Co Ltd
Current assignee: TS Tech Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-04
Filing date: 2017-01-31
Publication date: 2022-04-15
Also published as: US20210146830A1; US20190061615A1; EP3412507A1; EP3412507A4; EP3828033A1; US11396259B2; US10906457B2; CN108698537A; CN108698537B; WO2017135262A1

Abstract

The light guide is held by a more compact holder. In an illumination device (10A) having a light emitting section (20), an optical fiber (30), and a holder (40) holding the optical fiber (30) in a state of facing the light emitting section (20), the holder (40) is provided with two insertion sections (44, 45), and the two insertion sections (44, 45) are engaged in a state of sandwiching a held section (31) in a first direction intersecting with an extending direction of the held section (31) held by the holder (40) in the optical fiber (30). The two insertion portions (44, 45) are engaged with each other at a position adjacent to the held portion (31) in a second direction intersecting both the extending direction and the first direction.

Description

Lighting device

The application is a divisional application of a patent application with application number 201780006354.9(PCT/JP 2017/003468).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an illumination device, and more particularly to an illumination device configured to hold, by a holder, a light guide body that transmits light from a light emitting section.

Background

Lighting devices used in a vehicle interior are sometimes mounted on a door lining, a dash panel, or the like, and are used to improve the decorative properties of the vehicle interior. As an example of such an illumination device, the illumination device of patent document 1 can be cited. The lighting device described in patent document 1 is a vehicle lighting device, and includes a light source, a light guide body (specifically, a light guide rod) that transmits light from the light source, and a lighting device main body portion (hereinafter, simply referred to as a main body portion) that holds the light source and the light guide rod and is attached to a specific position.

Patent document 1: japanese patent application laid-open No. 2011-121503

Disclosure of Invention

In the lighting device described in patent document 1, the light guide body is attached to the main body portion by inserting the light guide body between the cover member assembled to the main body portion and the main body portion. More specifically, the lid member and the body portion that sandwich the end portion of the light guide extending in the specific direction in the extending direction are engaged with each other at a position outside the end portion in the extending direction of the light guide. Therefore, in the illumination device described in patent document 1, the length of the cover member is long in the extending direction of the light guide, and therefore the illumination device including the cover member is large in size.

In the lighting device described in patent document 1, the lid member is formed with an engaging claw that is engageable with an engaged claw provided on the main body portion. In a state where the light guide body is inserted between the cover member and the main body portion, the engaging claw is engaged with the engaged claw, and the light guide body is attached to the main body portion. In this configuration, when the engaging pawl is engaged with the engaged pawl, the normal portion in the engaging pawl needs to be engaged with the engaged pawl.

However, for example, due to the cover member being inadvertently moved, there is a possibility that a portion of the engaging claw, which is engaged with the engaged claw, deviates from a normal portion. In this way, if the engaging claw is engaged with the engaged claw at a position deviated from the original engagement position, the engagement state between the engaging claw and the engaged claw is unstable, and as a result, the light guide may not be properly attached to the main body portion.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an illumination device capable of holding a light guide body with a further compact structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of appropriately sandwiching and holding a light guide by a holder.

The problem is solved by the following means. The lighting device comprises a light emitting part, a light guide body and a support, wherein the light guide body extends linearly; the holder holds the light guide body in a state where the light guide body faces the light emitting portion, and includes two insertion portions that are engaged with the light guide body in a state where the two insertion portions are sandwiched in a first direction intersecting with an extending direction of a held portion held by the holder, and that overlap with the held portion in a position adjacent to the held portion in a second direction intersecting with both the extending direction and the first direction.

In the lighting device of the present invention configured as described above, the two insertion portions provided in the holder are engaged with each other in a state of sandwiching the held portion in the first direction intersecting with the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide. Accordingly, the holder can hold the light guide. The two insertion portions are engaged with each other at a position adjacent to the held portion in a second direction intersecting both the extending direction and the first direction of the held portion. Thus, if the two insertion portions are engaged with each other at a position beside the light guide, the respective insertion portions can be further miniaturized. As a result, the holder is of a more compact construction.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that one of the two insertion portions is coupled to the other by a hinge and is rotatable with respect to the other.

In the above configuration, since the two insertion portions are coupled by the hinge, handling of the insertion portions (particularly, engaging the insertion portions) is facilitated as compared with a configuration in which the insertion portions are separated.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that a rotation axis when one of the two insertion portions is rotated with respect to the other one is along the extending direction.

In the above configuration, the rotation axis when one of the insertion portions rotates is along the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide. With this configuration, it is easier to engage the two insertion portions at a position beside the light guide body.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that the holder includes a fixing portion formed to fix the holder to a fixed position, and the fixing portion is provided on a side opposite to a side where the rotation shaft is located in the second direction.

In the above configuration, the fixing portion of the holder is provided at a position opposite to the rotation axis when one of the insertion portions rotates. With this configuration, the rotation axis can be prevented from interfering with the fixing section.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that the holder includes a holder main body, the light emitting unit is assembled to the holder main body, and the holder main body and the two insertion portions are integrated.

In the above configuration, since the holder main body and the two insertion portions are integrated, the number of parts is smaller than that in the configuration in which they are separated from each other.

Further, in the above-described lighting device, it is preferable that the outer periphery of the held portion is surrounded by the two insertion portions in a state where the holder holds the light guide.

In the above configuration, since the outer periphery of the held portion of the light guide is surrounded by the two insertion portions, the holding state of the held portion can be stabilized. Further, the outer periphery of the held portion is surrounded by the two insertion portions, so that light leakage from the held portion can be suppressed. As a result, light can be efficiently transmitted in the light guide.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that the holder includes a holder main body in which the light emitting section including a light source and a condenser lens for condensing light emitted from the light source is incorporated, the holder main body includes a wall having an opening, and the two insertion portions are engaged with each other in a state in which the held portion is sandwiched between end faces of the held portion so as to face the condenser lens through the opening.

In the above configuration, when the held portion is sandwiched between the two insertion portions, the end face of the held portion faces the condenser lens through the opening. With this configuration, the light guide can be held by the holder in a state in which the light emitted from the condenser lens is well captured.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that one of the two insertion portions has a claw-shaped engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the other, the other of the two insertion portions has the engaged portion, and a positioning portion that positions the held portion at a position where the end surface hits the wall, and the engaged portion is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the positioning portion.

In the above-described configuration, the held portion is positioned in such a manner that the end face of the held portion hits against the wall of the holder (the wall in which the opening is formed), while the held portion is sandwiched between the two insertion portions and the insertion portions are engaged. That is, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to engage the respective insertion portions after the held portions are appropriately positioned.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that one of the two insertion portions has a convex portion formed on a surface facing the held portion, and the convex portion is in contact with the held portion and presses the held portion in a state where the two insertion portions sandwich the held portion.

In the above configuration, when the held portion of the light guide is sandwiched by the two insertion portions, the convex portion provided in one of the insertion portions comes into contact with the held portion and presses the held portion. Accordingly, the held portion in a state of being sandwiched by the two insertion portions can be suppressed from falling off.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that one of the two insertion portions has a claw-shaped engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the other insertion portion, and an end of the engaging portion in the extending direction is provided with a locking portion that comes into contact with the engaged portion and locks the engaged portion in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion.

In the above configuration, when the engaging portion provided in one of the insertion portions is engaged with the engaged portion provided in the other insertion portion, the engaged portion is engaged by the engaging portion formed at the end of the engaging portion. Accordingly, the engaging position of the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be suppressed from being displaced in the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide.

In the above-described lighting device, it is preferable that the holder includes a holder main body, the two insertion portions, and a suppressing portion that is provided at a position juxtaposed to the two insertion portions in the extending direction and suppresses a deviation of an engagement position of the two insertion portions in the extending direction toward a direction in which the holder main body is located.

In the illumination device configured as described above, the holder main body is provided with the suppression portion by which the deviation of the engagement of the two insertion portions in the direction in which the held portion of the light guide body extends toward the holder can be suppressed. Accordingly, the two insertion portions are engaged at appropriate places, and as a result, the light guide is appropriately held by the holder.

In addition, in the above-described lighting device, it is preferable that the suppression portion is a protrusion protruding from the holder main body toward the two insertion portions in the extending direction.

In the above configuration, since the suppression portion is formed of a protrusion protruding from the holder main body, the suppression portion can be provided in the holder main body with a simpler configuration.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that one of the two insertion portions has a convex portion formed on a surface facing the held portion, and the convex portion is in contact with the held portion in a state where the two insertion portions sandwich the held portion.

In the above configuration, when the held portion of the light guide is sandwiched by the two insertion portions, the convex portion provided in one of the insertion portions comes into contact with the held portion and presses the held portion. Accordingly, the held portion in a state of being sandwiched by the two insertion portions can be suppressed from coming off.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that the convex portion is a wedge-shaped projection having a slope that is closer to a surface facing the held portion as it is farther from the holder main body in the extending direction.

In the above configuration, the convex portion of the press-held portion is formed of a wedge-shaped projection, and the projection has a slope that is lower as it is farther from the holder main body. Accordingly, the held portion in a state of being sandwiched by the two insertion portions can be more effectively suppressed from coming off.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that the top of the projection is formed in an arc shape.

In the above configuration, since the top of the convex portion is notched in an arc shape, damage due to the held portion of the light guide being pressed can be suppressed.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that one of the two insertion portions has a claw-shaped engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the other insertion portion, and the engaging portion has an abutting portion that abuts against an end portion of the holder main body in the extending direction, and the abutting portion is configured in a shape that cannot engage with the engaged portion.

In the above configuration, the abutting portion of one insertion portion adjacent to the engaging portion cannot be engaged with the engaged portion provided in the other insertion portion. Accordingly, the engagement of the two insertion portions can be more effectively suppressed from deviating in the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide.

Further, in the above-described lighting device, it is preferable that a space is formed between one of the two insertion portions and the holder main body in a state where the two insertion portions are engaged, and a part of the held portion is exposed through the space.

In the above configuration, in a state where the two insertion portions are engaged, a space is formed between one of the insertion portions and the holder main body. A part of the held portion is exposed through the gap. Accordingly, the position of the held portion can be confirmed through the gap.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that the light emitting unit includes a light source and a condenser lens for condensing light emitted from the light source, the holder main body has a wall in which an opening is formed, and the two insertion portions are engaged with each other in a state in which the held portion is sandwiched between end faces of the held portion so as to face the condenser lens through the opening.

In the above configuration, when the held portion is sandwiched between the two insertion portions, the end face of the held portion faces the condenser lens through the opening. With this configuration, the light guide can be held by the holder so as to satisfactorily capture the light emitted from the condenser lens.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that the light guide is an optical fiber, and a dimension of an end portion of the opening on the side closer to the held portion is smaller than a dimension of a cross section of the optical fiber.

In the above configuration, the dimension of the end portion of the opening on the side closer to the held portion is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the optical fiber constituting the light guide. Therefore, the light emitted from the condenser lens is more appropriately directed toward the optical fiber (strictly speaking, the end face of the held portion). As a result, light can be efficiently transmitted through the optical fiber.

In the above lighting device, it is preferable that one of the two insertion portions is coupled to the other by a hinge and is rotatable with respect to the other, and the two insertion portions are engaged with each other at a position in front of the suppression portion in the extending direction.

In the above configuration, since the two insertion portions are coupled by the hinge, handling of the insertion portions (particularly, engaging the insertion portions) becomes easier than in a configuration in which the insertion portions are separated. Further, since the two insertion portions are engaged with each other at the front position of the suppression portion in the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide, the function of the misalignment of the engagement portion by the suppression portion can be appropriately exhibited.

According to the present invention, by engaging the two insertion portions at the side position of the light guide body, it is possible to make the respective insertion portions more compact and also to make the structure of the holder more compact.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the two insertion portions are coupled by the hinge, handling of the insertion portions (particularly, engaging the insertion portions) becomes easy.

Further, according to the present invention, since the rotation axis when one of the insertion portions is rotated is along the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide body, it is easier to engage the two insertion portions at positions beside the light guide body.

Further, according to the present invention, by providing the fixing portion of the holder at a position opposite to the rotation axis when one of the insertion portions rotates, it is possible to suppress interference of the rotation axis with the fixing portion.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the holder main body is integrated with the two insertion portions, the number of parts is further reduced as compared with the respective separate configurations.

Further, according to the present invention, since the outer periphery of the held portion of the light guide is surrounded by the two insertion portions, the held state of the held portion can be stabilized, and leakage of light from the held portion can be suppressed.

In addition, according to the present invention, the held portion in a state of being sandwiched between the two insertion portions is opposed to the condenser lens through the opening. Therefore, the light guide can be held by the holder in a state in which the light emitted from the condenser lens is well captured.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to position the held portion in such a manner that the end face of the held portion hits the wall of the holder (the wall in which the opening is formed), while sandwiching the held portion between the two insertion portions and engaging the insertion portions.

Further, according to the present invention, the projection provided in one of the insertion portions comes into contact with the held portion of the light guide and presses the held portion, thereby suppressing the held portion sandwiched between the two insertion portions from coming off.

Further, according to the present invention, the engaging position of each insertion portion can be appropriately suppressed from being deviated by the locking portion.

In addition, according to the present invention, the light guide can be appropriately held to the holder by suppressing the misalignment at the engagement of the two insertion portions.

Further, according to the present invention, the suppression portion can be provided in the holder main body with a simple configuration.

Further, according to the present invention, the held portion can be prevented from coming off while being sandwiched between the two insertion portions by the protruding portion provided on one of the insertion portions coming into contact with the held portion and pressing the held portion.

Further, according to the present invention, since the convex portion constituted by the wedge-shaped projection has the slope that is lower as it is farther from the holder main body, the held portion in a state of being sandwiched by the two insertion portions can be more effectively suppressed from falling off.

Further, according to the present invention, since the top of the convex portion is grooved in an arc shape, it is possible to suppress damage of the held portion of the light guide caused by being pressed by the convex portion.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the lighting device of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting device, which is a view when the lighting device is viewed from an oblique side.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lighting device, which is seen obliquely from below.

Fig. 4 is a view of the lighting device as viewed from below.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the lighting device.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the light emitting section, when the light emitting section is viewed from an oblique side.

Fig. 7 is a view of the light emitting section viewed from below.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the light emitting unit, and is a view of the light emitting unit when viewed from an oblique side.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the holder in the state of being released.

Fig. 10 is a view showing a holding state of the light guide, and is a view showing a cross section a-a in fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a view showing a convex portion provided in one insertion portion.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an illumination device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is viewed from an oblique side.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from an oblique side.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a convex portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a view of the convex portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from a direction opposite to the direction in which the convex portion is viewed in fig. 14.

Detailed Description

An embodiment (present embodiment) of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. That is, it is needless to say that the present invention includes the equivalent thereof as well as the modifications and improvements of the present invention without departing from the gist thereof.

In the following description, three directions orthogonal to each other are referred to as an "X direction", a "Y direction", and a "Z direction". Here, the "Y direction" corresponds to the "extending direction of the held portion of the light guide" in the present invention. The "Z direction" corresponds to "a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide" in the present invention, i.e., the "first direction". The "X direction" corresponds to "a direction intersecting both the extending direction of the held portion of the light guide and the first direction" in the present invention, that is, the "second direction". Fig. 2 to 15 each illustrate a corresponding direction (direction that can be illustrated in each figure) of the three directions.

An outline of the lighting device according to the present embodiment.

First, an outline of the lighting device according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the lighting device according to the present embodiment is described by taking as an example a lighting device used as an interior part (decorative part) for a vehicle. However, the illumination device of the present invention is not limited to the one used as an interior trim of a vehicle seat, and may be a device used as an exterior trim for a vehicle, or may be a device used for a vehicle other than a vehicle.

As shown in fig. 1, the lighting device according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, the present device 10) is used as a component constituting a door trim 1 for a vehicle. More specifically, the present apparatus 10 constitutes the door lining panel 1 for a vehicle together with the base trim 2 and the panel trim 3. Further, the present apparatus 10 is disposed on the back side of the base trim 2 in the door trim 1 for a vehicle. More specifically, the present apparatus 10 is fixed to an inner panel (not shown) of a door by a fastener such as a bolt on the back side of the base garnish 2.

The present apparatus 10 includes a light source and an optical fiber as a light guide. The optical fiber receives light emitted from the light source and transmits the light in a fiber arrangement direction (direction in which the optical fiber is arranged). The optical fiber is accommodated in an accommodation groove 4 formed in the surface of the base garnish 2 and is disposed along the accommodation groove 4.

As shown in fig. 1, the upper end portion of the panel garnish 3 is located at a position facing the receiving groove 4 in the vehicle door lining panel 1. The base panel 2 has a predetermined gap (clearance) between the portion where the receiving groove 4 is formed and the upper end portion of the panel garnish 3. The light emitted from each part of the optical fiber is emitted into the vehicle compartment through the slit.

As described above, the present apparatus 10 distributes light transmitted through the optical fiber through the gap formed between the base garnish 2 and the panel garnish 3. Accordingly, in the door lining panel 1 for a vehicle, light is emitted along the arrangement direction of the optical fibers (in other words, the forming direction of the slit). Accordingly, the interior of the vehicle compartment is illuminated, and the decorative property (design property) of the door trim 1 for a vehicle is improved.

Examples of the configuration of the lighting device.

Next, a configuration example of the illumination device 10A according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, the lighting device 10A is an example of the present device 10, and corresponds to the lighting device of the present invention.

The illumination device 10A has the configuration shown in fig. 2 to 5, and specifically, includes a light emitting portion 20, an optical fiber 30 as a light guide, and a holder 40, which are shown in the same drawing. The light emitting unit 20 has a light source and is assembled to the holder 40 (strictly, the holder main body 41). The optical fiber 30 is a linearly extending member and has the same configuration as a general optical fiber. That is, the optical fiber 30 is composed of a core and a cladding, and its cross section is formed in a substantially circular shape.

The holder 40 is a fitting for holding the optical fiber 30 in a state where the optical fiber 30 faces the light emitting part 20. In addition, the holder 40 takes the end portion in the optical fiber 30 as the held portion 31 and holds the held portion 31.

As shown in fig. 2 and 5, a contraction band 32 is fitted around the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the optical fiber 30 as the held portion 31. The contraction band 32 is a tubular rubber band covering the outer circumference of the distal end portion of the optical fiber 30. Further, by fitting the contraction band 32 to the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the optical fiber 30, the frictional resistance between the held portion 31 and the holder 40 is increased. As a result, the held portion 31 of the optical fiber 30 held on the support 40 hardly falls off from the support 40. Further, by covering the outer circumference of the distal end portion of the optical fiber 30 with the contraction band 32, light leakage in the distal end portion is suppressed.

The holder 40 itself is fixed to the inner panel of the door by a fixing portion 42 provided at an end portion (strictly, one end portion in the X direction) of the holder 40.

The detailed configuration of each of the light emitting unit 20 and the holder 40 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to conventional fig. 2 to 5 and 6 to 11.

A light emitting section 20.

To explain the structure of the light emitting section 20, the light emitting section 20 has an external shape as shown in fig. 6. Specifically, the light emitting section 20 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and as shown in fig. 6, includes a base section 21 and a light emitting body 22. The base portion 21 is a resin member, and is attached to the light emitting unit body 22 as shown in fig. 6. As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the base 21 is assembled to the holder 40 (strictly speaking, the holder main body 41).

To describe the base portion 21 in detail, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the base portion 21 has a structure in which two rectangular parallelepiped portions having different heights (lengths in the Y direction) are connected in the X direction. In the following description, a portion of the base portion 21 having a low height is referred to as a low back portion 21F, and a portion having a high height is referred to as a high back portion 21R.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the low back portion 21F is housed in the holder main body 41 in a state where the light emitting portion 20 is assembled to the holder 40. More specifically, the coupling protrusion 21a for engagement is formed on the side surface of the low back portion 21F. When the light emitting unit 20 is assembled to the holder 40, the low back portion 21F is received in the receiving space provided in the holder body 41, and the coupling protrusion 21a is engaged with the coupling hole 41c formed in the holder body 41. Accordingly, the low back portion 21F of the base 21 is coupled to the holder main body 41 by a snap-fit manner. As a result, the light emitting portion 21 is assembled to the holder main body 41.

The high back portion 21R is formed in a square tube shape. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, in a state where the light emitting unit 20 is assembled to the holder 40, the high back portion 21R is not housed in the holder main body 41, but is exposed to the outside of the holder main body 41. Further, the high back portion 21R is assembled to a power supply connector, not shown, specifically, the power supply connector enters into the square-tube-shaped high back portion 21R.

In addition, the way of assembling the light emitting part 20 to the holder 40 is explained, a coupling method of engaging with the coupling hole 41c using the coupling protrusion 21a is adopted, and further, the concave-convex fitting is utilized. Specifically, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the base portion 21 is provided with a convex projection 21b on the surface where the coupling projection 21a is formed. The convex projections 21b are provided on both sides of the coupling projection 21a in the X direction, and are slightly extended in the Y direction. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 3, in the holder 41, a slit 41a is formed in a side wall portion where the coupling hole 41c is formed. The slits 41a are formed on both sides of the coupling hole 41c in the X direction, and are formed to be slightly longer in the Y direction.

When the light emitting unit 20 is assembled to the holder 40, the coupling projections 21a engage with the coupling holes 41c, and the respective convex projections 21b are fitted into the corresponding slits 41 a. Accordingly, the light emitting portion 20 is more stably assembled with respect to the holder main body 41.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the holder body 41 is provided with a reinforcing rib 41b on a side wall portion where the slit 41a is formed. The ribs 41b are erected one on each side of the slits 41a in the X direction.

The light emitting unit main body 22 constitutes an optically main part of the light emitting unit 20, and as shown in fig. 8, includes an LED substrate 23 and a condenser lens 24. The LED substrate 23 corresponds to a light source, includes an LED not shown, and emits light by supplying power. As shown in fig. 8, the LED board 23 is provided with a terminal 23a for receiving power. This terminal 23a is located in the high back portion 21R of the base portion 21 in a state where the light emitting portion main body 22 is mounted to the base portion 21. Accordingly, when the high back portion 21R is mounted on the power supply connector, the terminal 23a is connected to the power supply connector in the high back portion 21R.

The condenser lens 24 is overlapped on the LED substrate 23 and condenses the irradiation light from the LED. The condenser lens 24 projects from a flat plate-like base portion 24a in the Y direction in a mountain shape, and is formed in a shape that is narrower toward the top thereof. Further, the condenser lens 24 is integrally formed with the base portion 24 a. Meanwhile, the material of the condenser lens 24 and the base portion 24a is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having light condensing properties.

Further, as shown in fig. 6, the light emitting part main body 22 is attached to the base part 21, specifically, the light emitting part main body 22 is fitted into a groove formed in the end face of the base part 21 in the Y direction. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, in a state where the light emitting unit body 22 is assembled to the base 21, the top of the condenser lens 24 faces outward in the Y direction (the side opposite to the side where the base 21 is located).

A support 40.

To explain the structure of the holder 40, the holder 40 is a resin molded product, and in an exploded state where the optical fiber 30 is not fixed, the appearance shown in fig. 9 is formed. In addition, as shown in the figure, the holder 40 has a holder main body 41, a fixing portion 42, a rising wall 43 as a wall, and two

insertion portions

44, 45. Each part (including the holder body 41, the fixing portion 42, the rising wall 43, and the two insertion portions 44 and 45) of the holder 40 is integrally molded, that is, molded with resin as one part. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each part of the holder 40 may be formed as a separate component, and these components may be combined to form one holder 40.

The holder main body 41 is a portion to which the light emitting portion 20 (strictly speaking, the low back portion 21F of the base portion 21) is attached. Specifically, the holder main body 41 is composed of a substantially rectangular bottom wall portion and a side wall portion standing from the bottom wall portion. The side wall portion constituting the holder main body 41 is formed along two long sides and one short side of the 4 sides corresponding to the outer edge of the bottom wall portion. The side wall portion is formed with the slit 41a and the coupling hole 41c, and the ribs 41b are formed on both sides of the slit 41 a.

The base portion 21 is accommodated in a space (accommodation space) surrounded by the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, one end (one end in the X direction) of the storage space is an open end where no side wall is provided. Therefore, the light emitting unit 20 is attached to the holder body 41 in a state where a part of the base portion 21 (specifically, the high back portion 21R) is exposed to the outside of the housing space through the opening end.

The light emitting unit 20 is attached to the holder body 41 in a posture in which the top of the condenser lens 24 faces the bottom wall of the holder body 41. More specifically, as shown in fig. 2 and 9, a part of the bottom wall portion is bulged into a cylindrical shape to form a bulged wall 43. As shown in fig. 10, in a state where the light emitting unit 20 is attached to the holder body 41, the top of the condenser lens 24 enters the inside of the rising wall 43.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 10, in the rising wall 43, a through hole-shaped opening 43h is formed in a portion located on the outermost side (the side opposite to the side where the light emitting section 20 is located) in the Y direction. In a state where the light emitting unit 20 is attached to the holder body 41, the top of the condenser lens 24 faces the opening 43 h. Therefore, the light emitted from the condenser lens 24 passes through the opening 43 h.

As shown in fig. 10, the opening 43h is a tapered circular hole, and the diameter decreases as the distance from the condenser lens 24 increases. Meanwhile, the opening 43h is not limited to a circular hole, and may be a semicircular hole or a rectangular hole. By changing the shape of the opening 43h in this way, the amount of light passing through the opening 43h can be adjusted. That is, since the amount of light reaching the optical fiber 30 can be adjusted, by preparing a plurality of holders 40 having different shapes of the opening 43h, the amount of light emitted from the optical fiber 30 can be adjusted even when LEDs having the same emission intensity are used.

The fixing portion 42 is a portion formed for fixing the holder 40 at a specific fixing position (specifically, an inner panel of a vehicle door). This fixing portion 42 protrudes in the same direction from the end of the holder main body 41 in the X direction in a tongue shape. As shown in fig. 4 and 9, a circular hole as a bolt insertion hole is formed in the center of the fixing portion 42. The bolt inserted into the bolt insertion hole is screwed into a hole, not shown, provided in the inner panel of the door, so that the stay 40 is fixed to a specific position of the inner panel.

The two

insertion portions

44, 45 are portions of the holder 40 that hold the end portions of the optical fibers 30, i.e., the held portions 31. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2 and 5, the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 are engaged with each other in a state of sandwiching the held portion 31 in the Z direction. The held portion 31 of the optical fiber 30 is held by the holder 40 by being sandwiched between the two insertion portions 44 in an engaged state.

The details of the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 will be described below. As shown in fig. 2 and 9, the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 are provided at positions in front of the rising wall 43 in the Y direction (positions on the opposite side of the light emitting portion 20 as viewed from the rising wall 43). The one insertion portion 44 and the other insertion portion 45 are connected by a hinge. Therefore, the one insertion portion 44 is free to rotate relative to the other insertion portion 45. More specifically, the one insertion portion 44 is movable between the release position shown in fig. 9 and the holding position shown in fig. 2 and 5 by rotating around a rotation axis (strictly speaking, the coupling portion 49 of the insertion portions 44 and 45) along the Y direction.

As shown in fig. 2 and 9, the rotation axis when one insertion portion 44 rotates, that is, the coupling portion 49 of the

insertion portions

44 and 45, is located on the opposite side of the fixing portion 42 in the X direction. In other words, the fixing portion 42 is provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis in the X direction. With such a positional relationship, the interference between the rotary shaft and the fixing portion 42 can be appropriately suppressed.

The one insertion portion 44 is bent in an L-shape, and an engagement claw 46 is provided at a distal end of a short side portion thereof. The engaging claw 46 corresponds to an engaging portion and has a certain width in the Y direction. The other insertion portion 45 includes a projection 48 that engages with the engagement claw 46 at an end in the X direction (an end opposite to the coupling portion 49). The projecting portion 48 corresponds to an engaged portion, and has a constant width in the Y direction, like the engaging claw 46.

Then, when one of the insertion portions 44 is rotated relative to the other insertion portion 45 and reaches the holding position shown in fig. 5, the engagement claw 46 engages with the projection 48. In this way, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are engaged. At this time, if the held portion 31 of the optical fiber 30 is disposed between the

insertion portions

44 and 45, the held portion 31 is sandwiched between the

insertion portions

44 and 45 in the Z direction and held between the

insertion portions

44 and 45.

Further, as shown in fig. 2 and 5, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are engaged with the position adjacent to the held portion 31 in the X direction, and more strictly speaking, are engaged with the position adjacent to the held portion 31 on the opposite side of the coupling portion 49 of the

insertion portions

44, 45 as viewed from the held portion 31. In this way, the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 are engaged with each other at a position beside the optical fiber 30, so that the

respective insertion portions

44 and 45 have a more compact structure.

More specifically, in the above configuration, the dimensions (particularly, the length in the Y direction) of the

insertion portions

44 and 45 can be reduced as much as possible to a length necessary for sandwiching the optical fiber 30. As a result, the

respective insertion portions

44, 45 become more miniaturized, resulting in a more miniaturized holder 40.

Meanwhile, as described above, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are coupled by a hinge. With this configuration, handling of the insertion portions 44, 45 (particularly, engaging the insertion portions 44, 45) becomes easier than with a configuration in which the

insertion portions

44, 45 are separated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the two insertion portions may be separated from each other without being connected to each other.

Further, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 adopt a configuration capable of well holding the held portion 31 of the optical fiber 30. In the following description, the structure of each of the

insertion portions

44 and 45 will be described in detail.

As shown in fig. 11, one insertion portion 44 (L-shaped insertion portion 44) has a projection 50 formed on a surface facing the held portion 31. The convex portion 50 is formed of a protrusion protruding in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Further, the convex portion 50 contacts the held portion 31 and presses the held portion 31 in a state where the held portion 31 is sandwiched by the two

insertion portions

44, 45. That is, during the sandwiching of the held portion 31 by the two

insertion portions

44, 45, the held portion 31 is pressed by the convex portion 50. Accordingly, the situation in which the held portion 31 in a state of being sandwiched by the two

insertion portions

44, 45 falls off can be effectively suppressed.

Further, in order to prevent the held portion 31 from being damaged by excessive stress generated when the held portion 31 is pressed, the top surface of the convex portion 50 needs to be curved in a circular arc shape as shown in fig. 11.

In addition, in the description of the engaging claw 46 formed in one of the insertion portions 44, as shown in fig. 9, the shape of one end portion (end portion on the side closer to the holder main body 41) of the engaging claw 46 in the Y direction is different from the shape of the other portion. More specifically, one end portion of the engaging claw 46 in the Y direction is expanded in the Z direction more than the other portion. This expanded portion is a locking portion 46x formed in a substantially triangular shape.

One end of the engaging claw 46 having the locking portion 46x formed thereon in the Y direction cannot engage with the protrusion 48 formed on the other insertion portion 45. Therefore, the engagement claw 46 engages with the projection 48 at a portion other than the one end portion.

In a state where the portion other than the one end portion is engaged with the protrusion portion 48, the locking portion 46x formed at the one end portion of the engagement claw 46 comes into contact with the protrusion portion 58. By the locking portion 46x abutting against the protrusion 48 in this way, the locking portion 46x locks the protrusion 48 in the Y direction. Specifically, the projection 48 is restricted from being displaced relative to the engagement claw 46 in the Y direction (in other words, the one insertion portion 44 is moved relative to the other insertion portion 45 in the direction away from the holder main body 41 in the Y direction). As a result, the engagement claw 46 is appropriately suppressed from engaging with the protrusion 48 by the locking portion 46x in a state of being deviated from the original engagement position.

To explain the structure of the other insertion portion 45, as shown in fig. 5 and 9, a substantially U-shaped portion is provided at an intermediate position (intermediate position in the X direction) of the insertion portion 45. This substantially U-shaped portion corresponds to a positioning portion 47 that positions the held portion 31 when the held portion 31 of the optical fiber 30 is held. The positioning portion 47 is formed so as to extend in the Y direction from the outer surface of the rising wall 43.

Also, the held portion 31 is inserted into the space inside the positioning portion 47 (the space surrounded by the U-shaped positioning portion 47) while sandwiching the held portion between the two

insertion portions

44, 45. At this time, the end face of the held portion 31, i.e., the distal end portion of the optical fiber 30, hits the surface of the rising wall 43. In this state, the held portion 31 is positioned by the positioning portion 47. That is, the positioning portion 47 is a portion that positions the held portion 31 at a position where the end surface of the held portion 31 hits the rising wall 43.

Further, when the held portion 31 is positioned at the above-described position by the positioning portion 47, as shown in fig. 10, a part of the end surface of the held portion 31 which hits the rising wall 43 faces the opening 43h formed in the rising wall 43. Further, the top of the condenser lens 24 is located on the opposite side of the held portion 31 with the opening 43h therebetween. Therefore, after the held portion 31 is positioned by the positioning portion 47, the end face of the held portion 31 opposes the top of the condenser lens 24 through the opening 43 h. In other words, the positioning portion 47 positions the held portion 31 at a position where the end face of the held portion 31 opposes the condenser lens 24 through the opening 43 h. Accordingly, the light emitted from the condenser lens 24 is appropriately directed toward the distal end portion of the optical fiber 30 through the opening 43 h.

As shown in fig. 10, the dimension (specifically, the size of the outer diameter) of one end portion of the opening 43h closer to the held portion 31 is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimension (specifically, the size of the outer diameter) of the optical fiber 30. Therefore, the light emitted from the condenser lens 24 is more appropriately directed toward the distal end of the optical fiber 30. As a result, the light is more efficiently transmitted in the optical fiber 30.

Meanwhile, the size of the opening 43h (strictly speaking, the size closer to one end of the held portion 31) is not limited to the size shown in fig. 10, and may be a size smaller than the cross-sectional size of the optical fiber 30. Therefore, as described above, the amount of light reaching the optical fiber 30 can be suppressed.

As described above, after the held portion 31 is positioned by the positioning portion 47, the one insertion portion 44 is rotated with respect to the other insertion portion 45, and the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are engaged. That is, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 sandwich the held portion 31 in such a manner that the end face of the held portion 31 opposes the condenser lens 24 through the opening 43h, and are engaged in this state. Accordingly, the optical fiber 30 can be held by the holder 40 in a state of capturing light emitted from the condenser lens 24 well.

As shown in fig. 2 and 5, the other insertion portion 45 includes a protrusion 48 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the positioning portion 47. More specifically, the protrusion 48 is formed so as to protrude in the X direction from the end of the positioning portion 47 located on the opposite side of the connecting portion 49 of the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 in the X direction. By providing the protrusion 48 to the positioning portion 47 in this way, the

insertion portions

44, 45 can be engaged in a state where the held portion 31 of the optical fiber 30 is positioned.

As shown in fig. 2 and 5, in a state where the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 are engaged with each other, that is, in a state where the optical fiber 30 is held by the holder 40, a part of the outer periphery of the held portion 31 of the optical fiber 30 is surrounded by the two

insertion portions

44 and 45. More specifically, the held portion 31 is accommodated in the internal space of the positioning portion 47 in a state where the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are engaged. As shown in fig. 2 and 5, in a state where the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 are engaged with each other, a part of one insertion portion 44 (a portion corresponding to the long side of the L) abuts on the open end of the positioning portion 47. As a result, a part of the outer periphery of the held portion 31 is surrounded by the positioning portions 47 of the one insertion portion 44 and the other insertion portion 45.

As described above, since a part of the outer periphery of the held portion 31 is surrounded by the two

insertion portions

44, 45, the held state of the held portion 31 becomes stable. Further, leakage of light from the held portion 31 is suppressed, and as a result, transmission of light in the optical fiber 30 is performed more efficiently.

In addition, the width (length in the Y direction) of one of the insertion portions 44 is shorter than the width (length in the Y direction) of the positioning portion 47 of the other insertion portion 45. More specifically, as shown in fig. 2, one end of the one insertion portion 44 is located at substantially the same position as one end (free end) of the positioning portion 47 in the Y direction. On the other hand, as shown in the figure, the other end of the one insertion portion 44 is positioned slightly forward in the Y direction than the other end (fixed end) of the positioning portion 47. In the above configuration, as shown in fig. 10, when the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 are engaged with each other, a gap g is formed between one insertion portion 44 and the holder main body 41 (strictly, the rising wall 43).

Also, in the held portion 31 located inside the positioning portion 47 in the state where the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are engaged, a portion located in the vicinity of the fixed end of the positioning portion 47 in the Y direction is exposed through the above-described gap g. Therefore, the position and the holding state of the held portion (for example, whether or not the end surface of the held portion 31 surely contacts the rising wall 43) can be confirmed by the gap g.

A modification of the structure of the lighting device.

Next, a description will be given of a configuration of the illumination device 10B according to the second embodiment as a modification of the configuration of the illumination device. Here, the lighting device 10B is an example of the present device 10, and corresponds to the lighting device of the present invention.

The lighting device 10B according to the second embodiment is similar to the lighting device 10A according to the first embodiment in terms of basic configuration. That is, as shown in fig. 12, the illumination device 10B includes a light emitting portion 20, an optical fiber 30, and a holder 60. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an illumination device 10B according to a second embodiment, and corresponds to fig. 2. In fig. 12, components having the same functions and structures as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. Note that the description of the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

On the other hand, in the illumination device 10B according to the second embodiment, the holder 60 is different from the holder 40 included in the illumination device 10A according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the holder 60 according to the second embodiment will be described centering on the difference of the holder 40 according to the first embodiment.

The holder 60 according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the holder 40 according to the first embodiment in terms of configuration. That is, as shown in fig. 13, the holder 60 according to the second embodiment includes a holder body 41, a fixing portion 42, a rising wall 43 as a wall, and two

insertion portions

44 and 45. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a holder 60 according to a second embodiment. In fig. 13, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given to the portions having the same functions and structures as those of the holder 40 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 13, the holder 60 according to the second embodiment includes a protrusion 61. This projection 61 is a portion projecting from the holder main body 41 in the Y direction toward the two

insertion portions

44, 45. The protrusion 61 functions as a stopper for preventing the engagement between the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 from deviating in the direction of the holder body 41.

To explain the projection 61 in detail, as shown in fig. 12, the projection 61 is provided at a position juxtaposed to the two

insertion portions

44 and 45 in the Y direction. To explain in more detail, as shown in fig. 13, the protruding portion 61 is provided at a position in the Y direction in parallel with the protruding portion 48 in the other insertion portion 45. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 61 is provided in a space of a corner portion formed between the rising wall 43 and the positioning portion 47.

Then, when one of the insertion portions 44 is rotated relative to the other insertion portion 45 and the engagement claw 46 reaches a position (holding position) to be engaged with the protrusion 48, the engagement claw 46 is disposed at a position adjacent to the protrusion 61 in the Y direction. The engagement claw 46 engages with the projection 48 at this position. In other words, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are engaged at a position in front of the protruding portion 61 in the Y direction (a position on the opposite side of the side where the holder main body 41 is located as viewed from the protruding portion 61).

By providing the above-described protrusion 61, it is possible to suppress the engagement of the two

insertion portions

44, 45 from deviating in the Y direction toward the direction in which the holder main body 41 is located. Specifically, when the one insertion portion 44 is rotated out of the normal path during the rotation, and the engagement claw 46 is engaged with the protrusion 48 in a state slightly deviated from the original engagement position in the direction approaching the holder body 41, the engagement claw 46 comes into contact with the protrusion 61 before. Accordingly, the engagement claw 46 can be prevented from engaging with the protrusion 48 in a state where the engagement position is deviated. As a result, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 are engaged at a proper engagement, whereby the optical fiber 30 is properly held to the holder 40.

However, in the second embodiment, in the one insertion portion 44, a portion having a different shape from the engagement claw 46 is provided at the tip end portion where the engagement claw 46 is formed. This portion is an abutting portion 62 of the engaging claw 46 abutting on one end portion close to the holder main body 41 in the Y direction. As is clear from a comparison between fig. 14 and 15, the abutting portion 62 is not formed in a shape that is constricted at the intermediate position like the engaging claw 46, but is formed in a shape having a substantially uniform thickness (strictly, a substantially trapezoidal shape in front view as shown in fig. 15).

That is, the abutting portion 62 is not yet in the engaging claw 46 and cannot be engaged with the projection 48 formed in the other insertion portion 45. By providing such an abutting portion 62, it is possible to more effectively suppress deviation of the engagement of the two

insertion portions

44, 45 in the Y direction. Specifically, when the engagement claw 46 is engaged with the protrusion 48 in a state slightly shifted from the original engagement position in a direction away from the holder body 41, the abutting portion 62 abuts against the protrusion 48 before. However, as described above, since the abutting portion 62 cannot be engaged with the protrusion 48, in this state, the two

insertion portions

44, 45 cannot be engaged. Accordingly, the occurrence of deviation in the engagement of the two

insertion portions

44, 45 in the Y direction is suppressed, and as a result, the engagement claw 46 engages with the protrusion 48 at an appropriate engagement.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, one insertion portion 44 (L-shaped insertion portion 44) has a projection 63 formed on a surface facing the held portion 31. However, as shown in fig. 14 and 15, the convex portion 63 according to the second embodiment has a different shape from the convex portion 50 according to the first embodiment, and specifically, is formed of a wedge-shaped protrusion. That is, the convex portion 63 according to the second embodiment includes the inclined surface 63 a. The height of this inclined surface 63a decreases as it becomes farther from the holder main body 41 in the Y direction (in other words, closer to the face of one of the insertion portions 44 opposite to the held portion 31).

In a state where the held portion 31 is sandwiched between the two

insertion portions

44 and 45, the wedge-shaped convex portion 63 contacts the held portion 31 at the inclined surface 63 a. That is, during the sandwiching of the held portion 31 by the two

insertion portions

44, 45, the held portion 31 is pressed by the wedge-shaped convex portion 63. At this time, since the inclined surface 63a is inclined in the above-described inclined direction, the closer to the held portion 31, the greater the force pressing the held portion 31. As a result, the situation in which the held portion 31 in a state of being sandwiched by the two

insertion portions

44, 45 falls off can be more effectively suppressed.

Further, for the purpose of avoiding damage to the held portion 31, the top of the convex portion 63 may be grooved in a circular arc shape as shown in fig. 14 and 15. Further, if the top of the convex portion 63 is notched in the shape of a circular arc, the contact area between the convex portion 63 and the held portion 31 becomes large. Accordingly, the situation in which the held portion 31 in a state of being sandwiched by the two

insertion portions

44, 45 falls off can be more effectively suppressed.

Description of the symbols

1 vehicle door inner lining board

2 basic decoration

3 Panel decoration

4 storage groove

10 this device (Lighting device)

10A lighting device

10B lighting device

20 light emitting part

21 base part

21F Low Back section

21R high back part

21a coupling protrusion

21b convex projection

22 luminous body

23 LED substrate (light source)

23a terminal

24 condenser lens

24a base part

30 optical fiber

31 held portion

32 shrink band

40 support

41 holder body

41a slit

41b rib arch

41c combination hole

42 fixed part

43 rising wall (wall)

43h opening

44 insertion part

45 insertion part

46 engaging claw (engaging part)

46x locking part

47 positioning part

48 projection (engaged part)

49 connecting part (rotating shaft)

50 convex part

60 holding article

61 projection (suppression section)

62 abutting part

63 convex part

63a inclined plane

g gap

Claims

1. An illumination device, characterized by:

the light guide comprises a light emitting part, a light guide body and a support, wherein the light guide body extends linearly; the holder holds the light guide body in a state where the light guide body faces the light emitting portion;

the holder is provided with two insertion portions that engage in the light guide body in a state of sandwiching the held portion in a first direction intersecting with an extending direction of the held portion held by the holder;

the two insertion portions are engaged with each other at a position adjacent to the held portion in a second direction intersecting both the extending direction and the first direction;

the holder includes a holder main body, and the light emitting unit is assembled to the holder main body;

one of the two insertion portions has a claw-shaped engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the other insertion portion.